In 2025, as remote work continues to become more mainstream and international mobility increases, more people are considering moving abroad. Major motivators for relocation include improved quality of life, as cited by 75% of survey respondents in the 2024 Expat Insider Survey, and better work-life balance, identified as a key factor by 68%.
Other motivations for moving abroad include financial incentives. For instance, UAE’s zero income tax policy and Singapore’s attractive tax breaks for foreign professionals appeal to many. We’ve chosen the top countries for expats in 2025 based on economic stability, favourable tax structures, high-quality healthcare, and cultural openness.
Top 10 Countries to Move Abroad
10. Switzerland
- Highlights: High salaries, excellent quality of life, top-notch healthcare, and world-class education.
- Financial Benefits: Low tax rates for high earners, especially in specific cantons.
- Family-Friendly Perks: Safe, clean cities with renowned international schools and bilingual education options.
Known for its stability, safety, and beautiful landscapes, Switzerland offers an ideal balance between work and personal life. Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva frequently score high in quality-of-living surveys, with Zurich ranking among the best for both safety and amenities.
Financially, Switzerland is highly appealing due to its favourable tax policies. Some cantons, such as Zug and Schwyz, offer particularly low tax rates for high-income earners. Additionally, Switzerland’s banking and financial sectors provide strong career opportunities.
For families, Switzerland offers a safe and clean environment, with a wealth of international schooling options. The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma was invented in Geneva, and is an internationally recognised secondary education degree, accepted at universities worldwide.
9. Singapore
- Highlights: Modern infrastructure, safety, and a high standard of living.
- Professional Opportunities: Financial and tech sectors thrive here, attracting global talent.
- Benefits for Families: Family-friendly policies and top international schools.
Singapore stands out as one of the premier destinations for high-earning expats, offering a unique blend of modern infrastructure and a high standard of living. The city’s reputation for safety and order further enhances its appeal – it is ranked 5th safest country in the world.
Professionally, Singapore is a global financial hub, home to major multinational corporations and tech giants. For families, Singapore offers world-class international schools, with many offering curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British or American systems.
8. United Arab Emirates
- Highlights: Zero income tax, luxury lifestyle, and a growing expat community.
- Financial Perks: No personal income tax, VAT rebates, and business-friendly policies.
- Family Benefits: High-quality private schools, multicultural community, and numerous recreational activities.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a prime destination. With no personal income tax and frequent VAT rebates, the UAE offers substantial financial advantages.
The UAE’s pro-business environment is another key draw. Government initiatives, such as free zones, provide further financial benefits, along with relaxed regulations that ease the process of setting up a business.
7. Germany
- Highlights: Strong economy, comprehensive healthcare, and an emphasis on work-life balance.
- Career and Financial Perks: Ample opportunities in engineering, finance, and technology sectors, with moderate taxes.
- For Families: Family benefits, quality education, and abundant green spaces.
Germany remains a global leader in engineering, finance, and technology, providing ample job opportunities for high-skilled professionals.
Germany’s comprehensive healthcare system is frequently ranked among the best globally, offering expats access to high-quality medical services and extensive health coverage options. The country’s emphasis on work-life balance is notable, with policies supporting parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and generous vacation allowances.
6. Canada
- Highlights: High standard of living, inclusive culture, and good job prospects in tech and healthcare.
- Financial Benefits: Benefits for skilled workers and paths to permanent residency.
- Family Benefits: Excellent public education, healthcare, and diverse communities.
Known for its welcoming environment, Canada fosters a multicultural society where diversity is celebrated, making it easier for expats to integrate and feel at home.
Canada’s immigration policies offer several pathways for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency, which can lead to Canadian citizenship. Programs like the Express Entry system prioritize skilled professionals, making it a relatively straightforward process for expats in high-demand fields to settle long-term.
Families in Canada benefit from an excellent public education system, regarded as one of the best globally, and universal healthcare, ensuring access to essential services without financial burden.
5. Australia
- Highlights: Laid-back lifestyle, beautiful landscapes, and strong economy.
- Professional Opportunities: Tech, finance, and healthcare sectors are thriving.
- Family-Friendly: High-quality schools, outdoor lifestyle, and strong healthcare system.
Australia offers a unique blend of a laid-back lifestyle, good climate, stunning natural landscapes, and a strong economy. With an expanding tech industry and consistent demand for healthcare professionals, expats with relevant expertise find Australia’s job market competitive.
4. Spain
- Highlights: Warm climate, rich cultural heritage, affordable cost of living, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
- Professional Opportunities: Growing sectors in tech, renewable energy, and tourism; major cities like Madrid and Barcelona serve as innovation hubs.
- Family-Friendly: Quality public and private schools, extensive international school options, affordable universal healthcare, and family-oriented culture with abundant parks and recreational activities.
Spain is an increasingly popular destination, offering a warm climate, laidback lifestyle, rich cultural heritage, and an affordable cost of living compared to other Western European countries.
Spain’s economy is evolving, with significant growth in the technology, renewable energy, and tourism sectors, creating opportunities for skilled expats, especially in IT, engineering, and digital services, while recent legislation is paving the way for more digital nomads and remote professionals to base themselves in Spain.
3. Netherlands
- Highlights: International business hub, high quality of life, and cultural openness.
- Financial and Professional Perks: Lower tax rates for highly skilled migrants and job opportunities in tech and finance.
- Family Benefits: Good public and international schooling options, safe neighborhoods, and emphasis on work-life balance.
The Netherlands’ tolerant and inclusive culture, combined with widespread English proficiency, makes it an easy place for expats to integrate.
Financially, the Netherlands offers attractive benefits for skilled migrants, including a lower tax rate for highly skilled professionals through the “30% ruling,” which allows eligible expats to receive 30% of their income tax-free for a certain period. Job opportunities in sectors like technology, finance, and engineering are abundant.
For families, the Netherlands provides safe neighborhoods, comprehensive healthcare, and extensive cycling paths. Supportive family policies, including generous parental leave, enhance the Netherlands’ appeal.
2. Japan
- Highlights: Advanced infrastructure, safety, and unique cultural experience.
- Professional Opportunities: Growth in tech, engineering, and education sectors.
- Family-Friendly Perks: High standard of education, safe environment, and child-friendly facilities.
Japan is a unique and attractive destination for expats, combining advanced infrastructure and excellent public transport, cutting-edge technology, a high level of safety, and a rich cultural heritage.
As a global leader in innovation, Japan’s tech industry consistently seeks skilled professionals in fields like AI, robotics, and renewable energy, while the education sector offers roles for English-speaking educators.
1. Portugal
- Highlights: Affordable cost of living, scenic landscapes, and favorable weather.
- Financial Benefits: Attractive tax schemes, especially through the Non-Habitual Resident program.
- Family Benefits: Strong expat communities, excellent public and international schools, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Portugal is a top choice for expats seeking an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle, offering scenic landscapes, a mild climate, and a relaxed pace of life.
Financially, Portugal offers attractive benefits for expats, particularly through its Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program. This scheme allows qualifying expats to benefit from significant tax reductions for up to ten years, making it an appealing option for retirees and remote professionals alike. Furthermore, Portugal’s cost of living is relatively low compared to other Western European countries.
Emerging Destinations to Watch
Several emerging destinations are gaining popularity, offering unique advantages for those seeking fresh opportunities. Estonia, Costa Rica, and Vietnam stand out for their distinctive benefits.
Estonia has positioned itself as a hub for digital nomads and tech professionals, with its forward-thinking e-Residency program and thriving start-up ecosystem. The country’s emphasis on digital infrastructure and remote work-friendly policies appeals to entrepreneurs and tech professionals. Additionally, Estonia’s low cost of living and high quality of life make it an appealing option for expats in Europe.
Costa Rica is a top choice for expats seeking a relaxed, nature-focused lifestyle in a stable Central American country. Known for its “Pura Vida” philosophy, Costa Rica offers excellent healthcare, diverse natural landscapes, and a welcoming environment. For high-earning expats, Costa Rica’s rentista visa program provides a path to residency.
Vietnam is increasingly attractive to expats for its booming economy, low cost of living, and vibrant cultural scene. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have growing job markets, especially in manufacturing, IT, and education.
The best destinations offer a combination of economic stability, quality of life, and cultural openness. Countries like Switzerland and Singapore attract professionals with high salaries, exceptional healthcare, and international career opportunities. The UAE provides a tax-free income and luxury lifestyle, while Germany and Netherlands offer robust economies, work-life balance, and family-friendly environments in Europe. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, Portugal and Spain deliver a Mediterranean lifestyle with affordable living. Meanwhile, Japan and Australia offer modern infrastructure, quality education, and ample professional opportunities.
Selecting the right destination involves aligning your goals with what each country offers. Considerations like climate, language, job opportunities, and family needs all play a role in choosing a location. For instance, a professional in tech may find better opportunities in Singapore, while a family may prefer Canada’s welcoming culture and excellent school system.
Ultimately, a successful relocation requires careful planning. Research thoroughly, visit potential destinations if possible, and consult our guides to different countries to tailor your plans.